Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Meatless

Bring the taste of global cuisine to your table with three vibrant curries—Indian chickpea, Thai red lentil, and Caribbean sweet potato—all made in a single pan. Each curry features aromatic spices and coconut milk, balanced with fresh herbs for bright flavor. Quick prep and one-pot cooking make these curries ideal for busy nights. Vegetarian and vegan-friendly, they're hearty, satisfying, and easy to customize with your favorite beans or lentils. Pair with rice or flatbread for a complete meal that doesn't compromise on taste or convenience.

Updated on Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:02:00 GMT
Vibrant single-pan global curries featuring fragrant Indian chickpeas and fresh cilantro.  Save to Pinterest
Vibrant single-pan global curries featuring fragrant Indian chickpeas and fresh cilantro. | buddybiteskitchen.com

A vibrant collection of three easy, one-pot curries inspired by different world cuisines. Perfect for weeknights, these curries are packed with flavor and can be made with minimal fuss in a single pan.

I discovered these curries during a busy week, craving something nourishing but simple. Each pan brought vibrant aromas to the kitchen and made dinner feel special with very little cleanup.

Ingredients

  • Indian Chickpea Curry: 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1-inch piece fresh ginger (grated), 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 (14 oz/400 g) can diced tomatoes, 2 (14 oz/400 g) cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk, 1 tsp salt, Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Thai Red Lentil Curry: 2 tbsp coconut oil, 1 medium onion (diced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tbsp Thai red curry paste, 1 cup (200 g) red lentils (rinsed), 1 (14 oz/400 ml) can coconut milk, 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth, 1 medium carrot (sliced), 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 tbsp soy sauce, Juice of 1 lime, Fresh basil or cilantro (for garnish)
  • Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium onion (sliced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 Scotch bonnet or habanero chili (deseeded and minced, optional, adjust to taste), 1 tbsp curry powder, 2 large sweet potatoes (peeled and diced), 1 (14 oz/400 ml) can coconut milk, 1 (14 oz/400 g) can black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth, 1 tsp thyme, Salt and pepper to taste, Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Indian Chickpea Curry:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger. Sauté 1 minute. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook 1 minute. Add tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Stir, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Thai Red Lentil Curry:
Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and curry paste. Cook 1 minute. Stir in lentils, coconut milk, broth, carrot, and bell pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender. Stir in soy sauce and lime juice. Garnish with basil or cilantro.
Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and chili. Cook 1 minute. Stir in curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender. Garnish with fresh parsley.
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| buddybiteskitchen.com

When we make these curries, everyone helps choose their favorite toppings and sides. Sharing the meal together lets us taste flavors from three places around the world without leaving home.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy curries with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread. A squeeze of lime and fresh herbs adds even more flavor.

Tool Recommendations

Use a large skillet or Dutch oven, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, and a wooden spoon for best results.

Nutrition Info

Each curry serves four. Per serving (average): 360 calories, 13 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein.

Aromatic Thai red lentil curry with colorful bell peppers and creamy coconut milk.  Save to Pinterest
Aromatic Thai red lentil curry with colorful bell peppers and creamy coconut milk. | buddybiteskitchen.com

With these single-pan curries, dinner becomes delicious, global, and easy. Make all three or just one to suit your craving.

Common Recipe Questions

Can I prepare these curries ahead of time?

Yes, all curries can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently and add fresh herbs before serving.

What types of rice pair best with these curries?

Basmati or jasmine rice complements the flavors well. Brown or wild rice are excellent for added texture and nutrition.

Are the curries suitable for a vegan diet?

Absolutely! Use plant-based curry paste and broth. Verify labels for animal products to keep them vegan-friendly.

How can I adjust the spice level?

For milder curries, reduce chili or omit hot paste. Boost heat with extra chili pepper or a sprinkle of cayenne.

Can I substitute ingredients in these curries?

Yes. Substitute chickpeas with white beans, or lentils with split peas. Mix and match veggies to suit your taste.

Do I need special equipment?

A large skillet or Dutch oven, chef's knife, and standard kitchen utensils are all you need for these curries.

How do I make these curries gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce in the Thai curry and confirm all other packaged ingredients are gluten-free.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Three global curries—Indian, Thai, Caribbean—prepared easily in one pan for flavorful weeknight meals.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category Meatless

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Recipe Yield 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences Suitable for Vegetarians, Free of Dairy

What You'll Need

Indian Chickpea Curry

01 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
02 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
05 2 teaspoons ground cumin
06 2 teaspoons ground coriander
07 1 teaspoon turmeric
08 1 teaspoon garam masala
09 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
10 2 (14 ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
11 1 cup coconut milk
12 1 teaspoon salt
13 Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Thai Red Lentil Curry

01 2 tablespoons coconut oil
02 1 medium onion, diced
03 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
05 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
06 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
07 2 cups vegetable broth
08 1 medium carrot, sliced
09 1 red bell pepper, sliced
10 1 tablespoon soy sauce
11 Juice of 1 lime
12 Fresh basil or cilantro, for garnish

Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 medium onion, sliced
03 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 Scotch bonnet or habanero chili, deseeded and minced (optional, adjust to taste)
05 1 tablespoon curry powder
06 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
07 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
08 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
09 1 cup vegetable broth
10 1 teaspoon thyme
11 Salt and pepper to taste
12 Fresh parsley, for garnish

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Prepare Indian Chickpea Curry: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 02

Add Aromatics: Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger into skillet; cook for 1 minute to release flavors.

Step 03

Bloom Ground Spices: Add ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Stir and cook for 1 minute until spices become aromatic.

Step 04

Combine Base Ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Mix thoroughly and bring contents to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 05

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro just before serving.

Step 06

Prepare Thai Red Lentil Curry: Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.

Step 07

Sauté Garlic and Curry Paste: Add minced garlic and Thai red curry paste; stir and cook for 1 minute.

Step 08

Simmer Lentils and Vegetables: Add red lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and bell pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender.

Step 09

Finish and Garnish: Stir in soy sauce and lime juice. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro prior to serving.

Step 10

Prepare Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook sliced onion until soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 11

Add Garlic and Chili: Stir in minced garlic and Scotch bonnet or habanero chili; sauté for 1 minute.

Step 12

Incorporate Curry Powder: Add curry powder and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 13

Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, drained black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and bring to a simmer.

Step 14

Cook and Finish: Cover pot and cook for 20 minutes, until sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Chefs knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry contains soy and wheat (gluten); use tamari for gluten-free adaptation.
  • Verify curry paste and broth ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 360
  • Fat Content: 13 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 48 grams
  • Protein Content: 12 grams